STEPHEN DODGSON (1924-2005): Tournament for Twenty Fingers, Sonata for Piano Duet, RICHARD ARNELL (1917-2009): Sonatina for Piano Duet, Op. 61, CONSTANT LAMBERT (1905-1951): 3 Pièces nègres pour les touches blanches, LENNOX BERKELEY (1903-1989): Palm Court Waltz, Op.81/2, Sonatina in E Flat for Piano Duet, Op. 39,Theme and Variations, Op. 73.

Description: The Berkeley pieces display Gallic traits, the consequence no doubt of his studies in France and his keen interest in the music of Satie, Ravel and Poulenc. While showing an evolution in the composer’s approach to tonality, every hint of seriousness is constantly balanced by elegant playfulness and diaphanous textures. Less well-known than Berkeley, Arnell and Dodgson nevertheless contribute to the general atmosphere with their unabashedly tonal music that shows the neoclassical influence of Hindemith, Prokofiev and Stravinsky. Dodgson’s suite Tournament for Twenty Fingers is especially full of fun while ending with a homage to the Czech composers Dvořák and Janácek. An outstanding talent, Constant Lambert held jazz in high esteem and his Trois Pièces – written to be played entirely on the piano’s white keys – form a high-spirited and heartfelt tribute to its rhythmical vitality and inventiveness. Emma Abbate & Julian Perkins (piano four hands).